I spent a LOT of time researching benches (really, way too much time), but bottom line was that I wanted something stable, adjustable, and of course I didn't want to break the bank. There are a lot of really questionably pricey benches out there -- and when it comes down to it a bench is a very simple piece of equipment. Why are they so expensive? After all of my time investment I am confident in saying that absolutely no other bench on the market combines the features of this bench and its low price. Specifics: Delivery -- Typical, left outside of my house. Packaging -- Decent. The inner boxes were a bit torn up as Rep didn't put enough padding in place. But none of the parts were damaged. Instructions -- Complete joke. The "assembly" instructions are a single page parts diagram and then a second page of "tips." Come on, at least provide a step-by-step guide? Please visit any IKEA store to learn how it's done. Assembly -- The instructions are not completely useless; everything can be figured out from the diagram. There is some mention of videos to be watched, but I couldn't be bothered. Overall it wasn't bad but it definitely took longer than the stated 15 minutes -- probably closer to 45. The biggest issue for me was getting the seat bolted into place. The "tips" sheet shows it being done with the cushion up, which would require some extreme form of dexterity that I don't possess. After a while I realized that I could un-bolt the seat from the base of the unit (this requires removing a bolt that comes already in place from the factory) and then just flip the whole thing back -- after that the rest of the assembly was very simple. Note that the bolts are a bit on the large side. Neither of my two ratchet sets had anything quite big enough (mine go up to 9/16"), so I had to use a combination of an adjustable wrench and the provided sheet metal "multitool." This undoubtedly slowed me way down. Overall assembly includes screwing in maybe 8 bolts for the seat and back, two for the ankle pads, and then another four or so for the rest of the unit. Then you go through and tighten everything down, including the bolts that were put on at the factory. Utilization -- Once assembled, the unit feels extremely sturdy. It sits perfectly on the floor without rocking, and gives me full confidence. The pads are plenty comfortable in my opinion; sure they're a bit stiff, but it's not like I'm going to take a nap on the thing. Also I suspect that these pads will hold up better over time than softer ones would. Adjustment is simple for both the seat and the back and there are plenty of options for what I need to get done on a daily basis. One important note is that when flat or in decline there is definitely a considerable gap between the seat and back. I know this bothers a lot of people. I don't mind it and don't find it uncomfortable, but I do notice it; if you're looking for something gap-free, look elsewhere. Not much else to say. I think despite the few flaws, for the price this bench is absolutely unbeatable and will serve me for many years. I'm very happy with my purchase...and I can use the money saved to buy more weights to test that 1,000 pound capacity limit! Read more
I echo what everyone else has said about this bench; it is sturdy, stable, and about as beefy and functional as benches costing twice as much. Regarding the assembled bench and using it in my home gym, I could not be more pleased. It's professional, membership-gym quality equipment. Mine functions well and is properly aligned. I was tempted to deduct one star for the ridiculous issues with assembly, however, but since that was only a couple hours versus what I believe will be my remaining lifetime using this bench, I decided not to., especially given the value proposition of the finished product. Just to set your expectations, however, I would not order this expecting it to go together in ten minutes. It MAY--some reviewers say they got it together that fast--but it is unlikely. Issues with assembly: 1) It was missing a washer, has 7 instead of 8. I've read other reviews which said they were shorted a bolt. Why can't these fitness company manufacturers hire people who can COUNT?! My last product (not this company) was short a couple washers. Add 45 minutes for trip to/from the hardware store to get a washer. 2) As has been mentioned getting the bolts into the seat and back pad holes was challenging. They screw threaded anchors into the plywood pad backing board for the bolts to thread into, but one had wood in it I had to shave off around it, and one was so cockeyed I had to cross-thread the fourth bolt into the backing board. It is secure now, but it was really difficult to get the bolts into the backing. More precise jigging when installing the threaded anchors would alleviate this. I'm satisfied with the final result, the cross-threaded bolt is certainly secure, but it was soooooo aggravating when going together, I nearly blew a gasket. 3) The bench frame part under the seat plate makes it impossible to use a ratchet on the front bolts. And the plate the seat pad goes on is flanged for strength, which is understandable, but that, coupled with the bulge under the leading edge of the seat pad made it extremely difficult to get a wrench in there to tighten the front bolts. More blood pressure spiking and cussing. If the flange were ground away only at the front the seat mount would still be plenty stiff but you'd at least be able to get a box-end wrench on the front bolts to tighten them more easily. I finally got them tightened, but this is poor ergonomic design which would be easily fixed. Bottom line, this is a terrific bench regardless of the price, but for the money, it is a world beater, in my opinion. Although it took me two hours to get it assembled (including trip to get the missing washer), I thought the end product was so good it would be unfair to ding them a star for the frustration. If they'd jig the threaded inserts better, and grind down a bit of the flange toward the front of the seat plate to make front bolt installation easier, and IF THEY COULD COUNT PARTS correctly, this would be a near perfect product. TIPS: You'll need 14mm, 17mm, and 19mm wrenches for assembly for the seat pad bolts, wheeled cross member, and bolts securing the foot/handle attachment respectively. If you have ratchet and box end wrenches use them both. Follow their advice and get all four bolts into seat or back pad loosely at first, then weight the pade before final tightening. If you find you cannot thread one of the four bolts into either pad, after several attempts, go ahead and cross thread it if you can. It will likely be secure enough, but if it doesn't work you'd be returning that pad for a replacement anyway, so no harm there. My back pad is perfectly secure with one cross-threaded bolt. Their included wrench tool helps secure the 19 mm bolts while tightening the nuts. I am not sure if the bolt in the slotted hole at the bottom of the foot attachment is supposed to be adjusted to a comfortable angle and then tightened down, or left for it to slide freely. I suspect the latter, though and left that bolt loose enough the foot attachment pivots easily. It is in the right position for me when my feet are in it in the decline position, and I like that it falls a bit more out of the way when my feet are not in it. Despite the long-winded assembly screed, I highly recommend this bench. Read more
